$1.5 million Available for Clean Diesel Projects in Caribbean and Northeast; EPA solicits applications for Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program and Clean School Bus USA

(NEW YORK, NY) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is pleased to announce the availability of nearly $1.5 million for clean diesel projects. EPA is soliciting applications under two national clean diesel programs: the Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program and Clean School Bus USA. Projects may include, but are not limited to, a variety of diesel emissions reductions solutions such as add-on pollution control technology, engine replacement, idle reduction technologies or strategies, or cleaner fuel use.

"For EPA, few things are as high a priority as reducing harmful diesel emissions, and now I’m happy to say that we’re putting our money where our mouth is,” said EPA Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg. “Starting with next year, new diesel engines, in conjunction with the widespread use of cleaner fuel, will be 90% cleaner than existing diesel engines. The existing fleet of diesel engines on the road today can operate much more cleanly. Diesel exhaust releases into the air particulate matter (PM), ozone-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). These pollutants may trigger asthma, lead to serious respiratory illnesses and other harmful health effects. This funding allows us to complement those regulatory efforts by cleaning up diesels that are already on our roads, at our construction sites and in our harbors.”

Eligible Voluntary Diesel Retrofit projects include the following categories: marine vessels and ports and construction. EPA is accepting applications from the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, international organizations, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals and other public or private non-profit institutions. EPA is accepting applications for Clean School Bus USA projects from the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (including school districts) and non-profit organizations. All projects must benefit the air quality in the geographic areas that include Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The states of New York, New Jersey and the New England region are also competing for the grants. The deadline for applying is June 29, 2006.